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6 of the best places to stay in Ontario

Alt Hotel Ottawa

6 of the best places to stay in Ontario

Home to Canada's capital, the country's biggest metropolis Toronto, wine country, and Niagara Falls, Ontario has a lot to offer travelers. That includes lodging: Stately grand hotels, serene country estates, urban tower suites, cozy inns, and trendy boutique properties. Don't miss a chance to stay at the very best.

Canadiana meets cosmopolitan: Drake Devonshire Inn, Prince Edward County

You'll think you've landed on the pages of Dwell magazine when you step into Drake DevonshireExternal Link Title in the village of WellingtonExternal Link Title and in farm-to-table paradise Prince Edward County. First constructed in the 19th century as a foundry, this 13-room lakeside retreat has been reimagined in contemporary design while retaining its handsome, historic architectural roots -- no wonder the inn, which debuted in 2014, is making all the global hot listsExternal Link Title. Pop artExternal Link Title complements rough-hewn wood, exquisite details, and art installations throughout, and the effect is colorful and summer-camp quirky. Play ping-pong or backgammon, take a wine county tour, or relax by the firepit. The whimsical, soaring dining roomExternal Link Title positioned over the beach to take in Lake Ontario breezes is a huge highlight, serving upscale comfort food that's, of course, locavore-focused. Don't be surprised if some banjo players from down the way show up to entertain.

Urban sophistication: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Luxe-hotel chain Four SeasonsExternal Link Title opened its glitzy 55-storey flagship location in Toronto's trendy Yorkville district in 2012 to much fanfare, and the accolades just keep coming. If you want to see and be seen, this is the place: From the sophisticated cocktail loungeExternal Link Title with terrace, to the celebrated Daniel Boulud signature restaurantExternal Link Title. The 259 rooms are quiet, beds are plush, and the understated Yabu Pushelberg designExternal Link Title is modern Canadian chic to the max. The spa is among the city's largestExternal Link Title. Book a restorative deep-tissue massage or just float in the indoor Zen pool. Bonus: The Royal Ontario MuseumExternal Link Title is a short walk away; ditto for trendy shopping and restaurantsExternal Link Title.

Old World estate: Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, Cambridge

Old World luxury is what you'll find at elegant Langdon HallExternal Link Title, a prestigious Relais & Châteaux property also voted in one of the top spots by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice AwardsExternal Link Title. Langdon Hall is a century-old historic summer estate about two hours from Toronto in CambridgeExternal Link Title surrounded by woods and farms, with a spaExternal Link Title, outdoor pool, tennis courts, and award-winning diningExternal Link Title sourced from the onsite Victorian gardens. Furnished with handsome antiques, the 60 rooms and suites include wood-burning fireplaces. Read a book in the parlor or savor lavish afternoon tea, hike or mountain bike the property's seven miles of trails, or play croquet on the lawn. Langdon Hall offers cooking demos and wine tastings as well. Winter is just as lovely as other seasons here, when you can take a sleigh ride or roast marshmallows by the bonfire.

Modern melds with vintage: Hotel Metro, London

There's lots of elbowroom in the 20 stylish suites at Hotel MetroExternal Link Title in downtown LondonExternal Link Title, a modern boutique hotel housed in a 19th century brick building. Comfortable and smart best describes the exposed brick walls, designer beds, large picture windows, tiled rainfall showers, and soaker tubs. The best part, though, is the 'hood: Between the business and entertainment districts, just across from farmers' market and foodie destination Covent Garden MarketExternal Link Title, including dining options in an array of cuisines, bars, and cafes. Also close by are the Museum LondonExternal Link Title and Budweiser GardensExternal Link Title sports entertainment center.

Contemporary: Alt Hotel, Ottawa

Groovy. That's the Alt Hotel OttawaExternal Link Title, part of the equally on-trend Germain hotel family, which bills its offering as "affordable luxury." Set in a high-rise in downtown's business district -- and within walking distance of the top spots, including Parliament HillExternal Link Title -- this modern urban property is big on cool design and décor. Expect exposed concrete, geometrics, and primary colors, plus an enviro-friendly setting. Rooms are bright, compact, and handsomely appointed -- 148 in all. Furniture is contemporary, and amenities, crisp and efficient. The  cafeExternal Link Title is equally trendy.

Grand opulence: Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa

The Fairmont Château LaurierExternal Link Title is a landmark, a graceful, 429-room, turreted French Gothic limestone structure overlooking the Rideau CanalExternal Link Title. A historic 1912 Canadian National Railway, the property has long been the place where power brokers, stars, Prime Ministers, and royalty gather, especially in the classy, chandelier-lit loungeExternal Link Title. The Chateau also optimally situated downtown near Parliament HillExternal Link Title and the glass-atrium National Gallery of Canada. Though it is grand, the outstanding personalized service makes the place feel more like a boutique hotel, and staff regularly greet guests by name.

 

Once you've nailed down your fabulous accommodation, read more about the best places for an Ontario getaway.

 

Photo: Groupe Germain HôtelsExternal Link Title via FlickrExternal Link Title (with permission).

Find the best things to do/see/drink/eat at the Ontario Travel website.